My Throbbing Heart

Chapter 21: Tiny Secret

(KagPOV)

I was hoping Naraku understood what I mouthed as I turned the corner with Hojo's arms wrapped around me. As soon as I was in the clear, I pushed him off. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"What do you mean?"

"If you piss off Naraku, he will kill you."

"He won't put a hand on me."

"What makes you so sure?" Hojo thought about it for a minute. "See, you can't even think up of anything."

"So what, you know you're not supposed to get so close to him."

"I will if I want to."

"Not if Rin finds out." Hojo gave me a creepy smile and I shuddered. My shoulders slumped as I rubbed my arms. "Now, should I tell her that you were feeling on Naraku or should I keep that to myself."

"You wouldn't."

"Au contrair, I would."

"What do you want Hojo," I asked as I looked away from him.

"What I have been wanting since I saw you...Sex."

"I am not having sex with you."

"Aw, why not?" Hojo was starting to act like a child.

"You agreed to come along just to keep me in check, nothing more."

"Yeah and I am not doing a very good job on that." I flinched. Hojo stalked closer to me. "Guess I have to try harder –

"Touch me and I will break your arm." Hojo backed off and chuckled. I just rolled my eyes as I placed my key in the door and went in. Hojo slammed the door behind him. "Slam my door again and you will see yourself behind it."

"Rin wouldn't like that."

"Do you always do what Rin tells you to?"

"Of course, she is my baby sister after all and the only friend you have." That stung a bit. "I don't know why you won't give me another chance Kagome. We were in love –

"That was the old Kagome. The new one does not want your putrid ass."

"You want Naraku." I remained quiet. "You know what will happen if you go back to him."

"I know, you don't have to remind me." I headed to my room only to be stopped by Hojo, who grabbed my arm. "Let me go Hojo."

"You don't seem to get it through your head. You are still willing to throw everything away for that guy. Why?" I didn't answer him. He didn't need to know why. "Do you really want to lose everyone because of him?" I shook my head slowly. "Good." The way he said that was too soft. Hojo pulled me into his arms and held me. I was already on the verge of tears and him holding me was not helping. "I will keep what I saw to myself. I won't tell Rin, but you are going to have to keep your part of the deal and play this charade with me to keep Naraku away." I nodded my head. He laid a gentle kiss on my cheek and let me go. "You are a good friend Kagome, you know that?"

"Just leave me alone." I ran to my room and slammed my door shut, locking it behind me so Hojo could not get in. I hated myself for agreeing to this deal, but I had to do give up something, even if it was my own happiness. I felt the tears I was holding back roll down my cheeks. I fell onto my bed and let out all the pain that I held within my small body. I cried and cried. I didn't want to lose Naraku, but I had to. On the upside, I was glad I would be able to be with him for the three months, but until the thirty-first of August, I would have to say good-bye to him, forever. I buried my head into my pillow, crying harder. I wanted Naraku. Teasing him was only teasing myself. As much as I wanted a happy ending with him, I knew it would never happen. I murmured his name over and over again into the pillow. I leaned over to my dresser and pulled out a drawer, fumbling through the items within it to pull out a white t-shirt, Naraku's white t-shirt. I took it from his bedroom when he was not paying attention. I held the t-shirt to my nose and sniffed heavily. After all this time that I had it, it still smelled like him. I curled into the t-shirt and felt sleep take over my body, my mind drifting off to Naraku's gorgeous face, his crimson eyes staring deep into my soul.

"Naraku... I..."

(END)

(NPOV)

I looked around the room. I could have sworn I heard someone calling my name, but I was home alone. I had about forty-five minutes to get ready before I headed off to the restaurant. I figured to actually take a bath since I had enough time. I walked into the bathroom and crouched down to the tub, turning the knob to let the water run, letting it get warm before I plugged the drain. I reached into my cabinet and pulled out some soap so I could take a bubble bath. I dripped the gooey liquid into the running water and watched the bubbles come to life. I giggled like a little kid. When the water reached to the top, I turned it off. Stripping out of my clothes I caught myself in the mirror. I really couldn't believe that I had gotten bigger. I flexed a bit to get a smile on my lips. I shook my head lightly as I went to the tub and stepped into the hot water. Reaching the bottom I relaxed, the water easing the knots out of my body. I grabbed my wash towel, lathered it up with soap and washed myself.

After what seemed forever, I stepped out of the water and let the it drain. I dried myself off, hair and all as I stepped into my bedroom, ready to get dressed. I looked over at the clock and knew I had to leave soon. I slipped on my shoes, grabbed my keys, and headed out my door. Heading towards the stairs, I saw Kagome and Hojo head out the door. Kagome's eyes met mine for a second. I gave her a small smile only to have Hojo pull her into a kiss. I grumbled underneath my breath and continued on down the stairs. I am guessing Hojo was dropping her off. I had to ask her why she never drove herself. She probably didn't have a car; she did use the bus. I would ask her about it at work. I unlocked my car, slipped in, started my baby up and drove off towards the restaurant.

The place was busy as ever. Rin, Yori and Sesshomaru pulled in for us. Even Inuyasha came which was a surprise. He nodded my way as I walked in. A few minutes after I came in, Kagome entered. I didn't know what was up with her, but I could tell that something was off. She didn't seem herself. I followed her into the back and when we were alone I asked, "Everything okay Kagome?"

"Uh, yeah, everything is fine," she stuttered. Yeah, something was wrong.

"You sure?"

She relaxed her shoulder and shot me a hateful look. What the fuck did I do? "Look, I said I was fine, alright."

"Fine, whatever." I put my hands up and backed out. I let out some air as my hand swept my bangs back. I don't know what crawled up her ass but whatever it was needed to get out. I am pretty sure Hojo was behind it. I stepped behind the bar and started to clean some glasses till two lovely ladies came up. "And what can I do for you two lovely ladies this fine afternoon?" I asked as I flashed my perfect smile. They both looked at each other as they giggled. The one on the left had blonde hair that trailed down across her shoulders. Her eyes a pale blue and her lips small and pink. She seemed she tanned a lot since her skin was a darker shade. She wore a pink tank top with some tight denim jeans. Her friend on the other hand had black hair with the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen. Her skin tone was a rich coffee color, her lips full with a dazzling smile. She wore a summer dress that matched well with her skin. I had never been this attracted to a woman besides Kagome, and my body wanted her, badly. I shook the thought away as quickly as it came.

"Can I have a Bloody Marry?" The blonde one asked.

"And may I have a Pina Colada with extra rum?"

"You trying to cut loose?"

"Maybe." She smiled

We just stared at each other for awhile. I smiled back and said, "A Blood Marry and a Pina Colada coming right up." The Bloody Marry was easy to fix but the Colada would take a few minutes. I handed the blonde her drink and she gulped it down in no time. "No rush there."

"I know, but I have been dieing to have one of these."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I heard that you made the best Bloody Marry's ever and they were right!" She giggled as she tried to get the last bit at the bottom of the glass. "I have been meaning to stop by but never had the chance to till today. Brought my girlfriend along as well to try out your drinks."

"Well don't I feel special." The blonde laughed again. "How did ya'll know it were my drinks?"

"A co-worker of mine said to look for a guy with long, wavy black hair and crimson eyes. You fit that description."

I nodded my head and said, "I'll fix you up another one." As I fixed up the blondes drink and finished up making her friend's, I watched Kagome do her rounds. It was really bugging me that she didn't seem herself. Her eyes met mine as I handed the girls their drinks. "There you go."

"Thanks," they both said. Kagome headed her way towards the bar. I wondered what she wanted. "Wow this drink is fantabulous," the girl with the green eyes said. "It feels like an extreme orgasm is happening in my mouth."

"See?"

"That is how I make my drinks ladies, based on myself." I winked at them both and received the both of them to be embarrassed and possibly blush by my statement. I chuckled as Kagome came up.

"Naraku, is it okay if I work overtime?"

"Uh, sure."

"Thanks." Before I could ask why, she was already gone. Damn.

"So Naraku is your name. Sounds..."

"Dangerous," the green eyed girl finished. They both giggled again and I just smirked at them.

"And what are your lovely names?"

"My name is Erica," the blonde stated.

"And my name is Genvieve."

"Erica and Genvieve, the French pronunciation... right?" Genvieve nodded her head.

"So, do you have a girlfriend, Naraku?"

"Erica!"

I let out a hearty laugh. "I kind of do, so, yeah. The girl that came up awhile ago is my girlfriend." The two girls turned in their seats and spotted Kagome serving her table with the food they ordered. Erica's face turned up.

"She seems kind of...plain."

"Judgment from others won't phase what I see," I snapped. "She means everything to me and I am willing to do everything for her."

Genvieve looked at me with tenderness behind her eyes and softly said, "You are in love with her, aren't you."

I froze. "Love, no, I just care about her a lot."

"Let me see your hand."

"What?"

"I am a palm reader. Let me read your hand." I never really believed in that mumbo jumbo, but with my twisted history and family, I should believe in everything. I handed her my hand, feeling her fingertips glide across my palm. "You have suffered a lot Naraku."

"Tell me about."

"You don't think anybody will love you for who you are." Her face tensed up a bit as her finger went to the center of my hand. "Something is...dark about you." As her finger lowered down my hand she let go. She looked up at me with fearful eyes.

"Genvieve?" Erica asked calmly.

"T-There is...something...evil inside you. An evil, I have...never come across before." This chick just met me and she already knew everything. "You're running out of time." Genvieve caught her breath, closing her eyes for a bit. She let out the air slowly, tears dripping down her cheeks. "I am so sorry Naraku." She looked at me with those teary eyes and I just felt bad. I didn't think reading my palm would affect her. Erica was starting to get scared. "I hope in the end you are able to fight off what is inside you." I just looked at her. I didn't know what to say. My eyes drifted to the bar and I sighed. "Naraku, may I bestow a gift?" I nodded my head. Genvieve stood up and touched the side of my face lightly. I calmed under her touch, feeling her glide me towards her. Before I had time to react, she planted a soft kiss upon my lips. We both pulled away as we heard a crash of plates hit the floor. I looked over her shoulder and saw Kagome scramble everything that she dropped. What was up with this girl. I saw Rin run up and help her gather the broken glass and plates from the floor. Genvieve giggled a bit, bringing my attention back to her. "Make sure you talk to your girlfriend."

"What was with the kiss?"

"I placed a veil over you." I just looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "It will protect you for awhile from any negativity. I wish you well, Naraku." Erica paid for the drink and left me a big tip before they left. Genvieve was something else. Her power was probably what drew me to her so strongly. I hoped her 'veil' worked, because I was hoping I would get no negativity from Kagome.

The Sting Dragon was starting to close and all the workers were cleaning up the place before heading out.

"Thanks for the help everyone," Onigumo said as he waved them off. Rin was talking to Kagome and she seemed a bit better. "I wonder what is up with Kagome."

"I wonder the same as well. It seemed I was not the only one that noticed she was off today."

"Maybe something is bothering her?" I shrugged my shoulders. "Ask and find out."

"Last time I asked she bit my head off."

"Go ask."

"Alright, alright."

Onigumo chuckled. "I'll be home late."

"Have fun fuckin' Kaguya." Onigumo flipped me off and I just smiled. I headed to the back to make sure things were in order before I locked up. Seeing that everything was in order, I headed back to the front, ready to leave. Walking towards the door, I felt that I was not alone. I looked over at one of the tables and saw Kagome sitting on it. I thought she had left with Rin. I walked towards her cautiously and asked, "What are you still doing here?"

"Hm? Oh, I can't get in touch with Hojo."

"Need a ride home?" She nodded her head softly. We walked out of The Sting Dragon, locking the doors, as we headed towards my car. "I have a question Kagome."

"What is it?"

"Why don't you drive?"

"I don't have my license." I shot her a 'what the fuck' look. She giggled and I was glad I got that out of her. "I just never saw the point in getting one."

"Don't you think it's time you get one so you don't have to rely on people to take you home."

She bit her lip. "I guess, but I don't know how to."

I threw her my keys, startling her, almost causing her to drop them. "I guess you will learn tonight."

"What?"

"Get in the driver seat."

"Naraku, I can't."

I walked around the car and pulled the passenger side door open. "If you don't get in the driver seat, I guess we won't get home." I slid into my seat and closed the door. I heard Kagome cuss as she walked around and sat in the driver seat. She just sat there, clutching the keys tight to her as if they were her life line. "Kagome, put the key in the ignition."

"I'm scared."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to crash your car."

"If you do, I will just by a new one."

She looked at me with scared and angry eyes. "That doesn't make me feel any better Naraku."

"Alright, alright," I laughed. "There are barely any cars on the road right now. Just go slow. I will help you so you won't crash. You've driven bumper cars before right?" She nodded her head. "It's the same thing, just don't bump the other vehicles and stay in your own lane."

"Oh ha, ha," she said sarcastically. Kagome placed the key in the ignition and started the engine. She placed the gear into drive and stopped. "Now what."

"Check your mirrors to see that there is no traffic and when it is clear, just go." Kagome stuttered to taker her foot off the brake and when she stepped on the gas, her foot shot back to the brake, jerking us both forward. "Just drive slow Kagome. Keep your foot lightly on the gas and you will get the hang of it." She did what I said and pressed her foot lightly on the gas and we were off at a snail pace.

Kagome started to get the hang of driving. She was smiling and laughing a lot, causing me to do the same. She pulled into out location and parked the car. "Very nice. You are a very fast learner."

"Well, I did learn from the best." She flashed me that gorgeous smile and I just felt my cheeks warm up.

"Time to head on up." I opened up the door and started to head out.

"Naraku, why did that girl kiss you?" I froze and slid back into the chair. "Not that I care, just curious."

"She placed a veil on me."

"You actually expect me to believe that?"

"I am serious." I turned to her to let her know that I was. "She read my palm and discovered what I have been through and what lurks inside me. She kissed me to place a veil around me to keep negativity away."

"Oh."

"Don't be coy Kagome, you know the real reason why you asked is because you were jealous."

"You wish," she snapped.

"Then why did you spill all the food that you were carrying to one of the tables, breaking a few glasses and plates?"

"I felt faint." Fuck, I felt like an asshole. "You think too highly of yourself, you know that."

"I know." We both got out of the car, Kagome handing me my keys as she locked it. I couldn't wait to collapse on my bed. I could hear it calling for me. Kagome headed towards her place as I did mine. As I was about to enter through my door, I heard loud banging and Kagome cuss again. "What is it?"

"I forgot my house key."

"And Hojo is not inside?"

"He would have answered the door by now."

"Where would he be at this time of night?" She shrugged and laid her head on the door. "If you want, you can stay with me. I promise you I won't do anything to you. I will sleep on the couch and you can have my bed."

"That's sweet of you." I saw her think about it for a minute before she said, "Okay." I fought to smile. I nodded my head and headed back to my place.

It took no time to get ready for bed. I pulled out some blankets and grabbed a pillow from my bed and made my couch. I still never got to change the sheets from the bed Kikyo slept in and I was too lazy to change them now. Kagome walked out of the bathroom in my Donald Duck shirt and her hair tied up into a small ponytail. "Thanks for the shirt."

"No problem. Sleep well Kagome."

"You too." Kagome walked into my bedroom and closed the door behind her softly. I snuggled into the blankets as I turned off the light, feeling sleep take over my body, a small smile tingling my lips as I dreamed.

(END)

(KagPOV)

I don't know how many hours had went by, but I could not get to sleep. Why? Because I was in Naraku's bed. I knew this was bad. My ass would be in trouble if I got caught, but it wasn't even my fault. If Hojo never left my place, I wouldn't be in this predicament. I turned over onto my side. What was I going to do? I looked over at the clock and saw that it read three fifteen. I needed to get to sleep soon, but I knew I couldn't, knowing that Naraku was asleep in the living room. So close but yet so far away. I was going to kick myself for this later but I just had to sleep with him. I scrambled out of the bed and opened the door slowly. I tiptoed over to Naraku's sleeping body and just stopped in my footsteps. The moonlight had spilled through the curtains and danced across his skin. He looked like a god resting in peace. I stepped closer to his sleeping form till I was on my knees in front of his face, admiring his features.

I had missed Naraku so much, but I knew I had to lose him for good. I smiled softly at him as I reached out to touch his hair. Naraku cuddled against my hand like a kitten. I was tempted to do more, but knew I shouldn't. Sighing to myself, I got up and headed back to his room but was stopped when I felt his hand encircle my wrist. I made a high pitch squeal as Naraku rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

"Kagome? What are you doing up?" He yawned.

"I couldn't sleep. I was going to ask you to sleep with me, but I didn't want to disturb you."

"Heh, big bad boogie man got you?"

"Shut up." He just gave me a goofy smile. I eased down and asked, "Will you be my teddy bear?"

"Sure." Naraku let go of my wrist and grabbed his pillow, walking into his room with me on his heels. I closed the door and watched the muscles in his back as he walked towards the bed. He climbed into the bed and settled himself before I did. "I won't touch you. I will keep my hands to myself." I nodded my head and climbed in myself. Naraku's back was facing me. As much as I enjoyed the view, I wanted him to face me but had to keep that temptation down.

"Hey, Naraku?"

"Hm."

"Thanks for letting me stay with you."

"No problem. I just couldn't leave you outside," he said in a husky voice. He was really tired. I laid my head on the pillow and traced my fingers along his back. He tensed up a bit but soon relaxed under my touch. I traced my fingers up to his shoulders and cuddled my body against his. I could smell his scent and let it fill my nose. I rested my head on the middle of his back and smiled. I was going to enjoy this night, no matter what. I felt the sand man hit my body and I let my eyes succumb to the dream world, wishing that this night would last forever.

(END)

Hm, I wonder what is going on with Kagome, Hojo and Rin. What am I talking about, I do know, but you all do not. Mwahahaha. I hope you liked this chapter and that you were able to get a peak inside Kagome. The next chapter will be up soon. Leave comments.